Overshadowed but not forgotten
With the British Open starting today on Scotland’s St Andrews Old Course, all anyone can talk about is Tom Watson’s come back, Phil Mickelson’s race for no. 1, Tiger Woods’ controversy, and Lee Westwood’s leg. But these big shots aren’t the only great golfers heading into the tournament, and have all but overshadowed some viable contenders.
It’s no surprise that many Europeans are heavily favoured going into the tournament. Players like Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, and Padraig Harrington have had really good seasons. Just because they aren’t as familiar with links courses doesn’t impede these American players from doing well.
Such an example is Jim Furyk. He’s No.4 in the world rankings, FedEx rankings, and PGA Tour money list. Talk about consistency. So far this year he has made 12 out of 14 cuts, and has eight top-25 finishes – four of these were top 10 and two were long overdue victories.
Furyk does well on links courses. In his 14 attempts in the British Open, Furyk has made five top-10 finishes. Maybe this will be his year. He has played well recently and has a 70.61 percent average in driving accuracy. Furyk, McDowell, and Geoff Ogilvy will tee off together in the opening rounds.
Sean O’Hair, like so many other golfers these days, is long overdue for a big win and a breakout in his career. He has made 13 of 16 cuts this season, and with nine top-25 finishes and one top-10, fans are anxiously waiting for O’Hair’s game to show up.
O’Hair has never missed a cut at the British Open and has not one but two top-25 finishes in the prestigious competition. He is a quality player worth betting on as he is known to really bring it in big games. In his last five events O’Hair has been just above the top 10 with 12th, cut, 12th, 12th and 11th place finishes.
To the surprise of many, Jeff Overton has played a great couple of games in the recent past. In his last five events the 27-year-old American finished second, third, 12th, cut, and third. These are some amazing numbers, and credit is due for this young golfer who is 19th in driving distance and 18th in all round ranking. Last year at the British Open he played his way into a T13 position, not bad for a golfer who only went pro in 2005.
The Open at St Andrews is a competition every golfer wants the chance to participate in. The tournament has been played on this course by some of golf’s most legendary players, and it has often been said you aren’t the best until you win an Open at St Andrews. This year 21-year-old Rickie Fowler is taking that chance.
Fowler was the No.1 ranked amateur golfer in the world for 36 weeks in both 2007 and 2008. He turned professional a year ago and is in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Rankings. Fowler has made 11 out of 19 cuts this year, six of those top 25 and five were top 10. He was runner up in two events.
Fowler may have had back-to-back cuts in his most recent events but he is a great golfer who has real potential at the Open. His odds are about 150:1 but Fowler is ranked second in ball striking, and 13th in total driving. Don’t underestimate this ambitious young golfer.
Davis Love III is a player full of value and often overshadowed by high profile golfers, but is always a sure bet. He made eight out of 15 cuts; not the best stats, however five of those eight cuts were top-25 finishes and three were top 10. If Love can make it past the Open cut he is sure to deliver a great game. He has a good record at the Open and should top your list of “old guys” as he has more going for him than Tom Watson, John Daly, or David Duval.
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